I O Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms06785 Lake Dam Ms06233 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
I O Smith Lake Dam in Mississippi, owned privately, is a recreational dam with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment.
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Summary
The dam, of earth and buttress type, stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities.
Situated in Lincoln County, Mississippi, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and no associated locks. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures. With its primary purpose being recreation, the I O Smith Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts intrigued by the intersection of infrastructure and environmental management would find I O Smith Lake Dam a compelling case study. As a privately owned structure with state oversight, the dam exemplifies the importance of balancing recreational benefits with risk mitigation and regulatory compliance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Dam Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Homochitto River At Eddiceton
|
94cfs |
Pearl River Nr Rockport
|
1230cfs |
Pearl River Nr Monticello
|
1640cfs |
Bayou Pierre Nr Willows
|
611cfs |
Bogue Chitto Nr Tylertown
|
1020cfs |
Homochitto River At Rosetta
|
923cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
I O Smith Lake Dam